I ran the course a couple times during the week. Due to the warmer weather we had this past week, each time there was less snow on the trail. I decided it was down to the point where I could wear my XC racing shoes as they would provide enough grip/traction in the snowy areas.

When I left my house for the race it was only about 20F. I figured it would be cold and dressed accordingly. However, when the sun came up the temps rose rapidly and I was overdressed. Oh well, had to go as I was dressed and just deal with it.

I started a few rows back and got off to a decent start. Maintained a decent pace down to the trail, then started picking off people as the hills started. I was passed a few times, but I passed many of them again later in the race. In what seemed like a very short time I was at the turn off for the lollipop section and the long climb up. On the way up I caught up with my friend Kim, who is normally much faster than me. I talked with her briefly, then passed. I maintained a steady running pace on the steep areas and passed many people who were reduced to walking. About a half mile from the top I got stuck behind a guy who seemed to speed up every time I thought I would try to get around him. I decided not to expend the energy to pass on the uphill, and when the downhill finally started he was able to remain just ahead of me. I never was able to pass this guy and we ran about the same pace all the way to the finish, with him just a couple seconds ahead.

I ran much stronger than last year and took off almost 3 minutes. It was a pretty solid race.

Dress differently so I wouldn't overheat.

Water, short jog, easy stretching.


Nothing


The was the first of a four race series. The distance increases with each successive race. This was the most challenging course of the four.